IC Cold Links: Pacers Back In Action Tonight Against Nuggets

It's game day, people.

I know, it's been awhile, with three full days off for the Indiana Pacers after their late-game loss to the Milwaukee Bucks last Friday. The blue and gold should be eager to take the court tonight against the Denver Nuggets after stewing in the juices of two straight losses and all of the criticism that brings to the surface.

Execution, more than effort, is the primary concern for the Pacers, a team heading into tonight's game ranked 28th in the league in offensive efficiency. Any defensive progress the Pacers have shown will surely be tested by the Nuggets, who check in as the fourth best offense in the league thus far. Brandon Rush will return to action tonight, with Jim O'Brien talking about a four-man wing rotation, making for a 10-man playing rotation. JOB usually settles into an 8 to 9-man rotation so keep an eye on where the minutes go.

While the Pacers have been at home trying to shore up their deficiencies, the Nuggets have been on the road. Tonight's game will be the Nugg's third in four days, including last night's tough loss at Chicago.  Of course, the last time the Pacers were expecting a weary opponent on the night following a tough loss, they were steamrolled in Philly. No doubt, Carmelo Anthony and the boys will be looking to head back home on a winning note.

After the jump, a few links of interest in advance of the game tonight.

• Pacers welcome Rush's return
  Bruno reports on the Pacers welcoming Brandon Rush back to the playing rotation.
• Eager to get started | IndyStar.com
  Mike Wells reports on Brandon Rush prepping for his season-opener tonight. Jim O'Brien is talking 10-man rotation which he's rarely used in the past. Should be interesting to see where the minutes go.
• Nene's return provides team more options - The Denver Post
  After missing three games, Nene was back in the post for the Nuggets last night and should provide a challenge for Roy Hibbert tonight. Chris Andersen and Kenyon Martin remain out with injuries.
• Not a good night for the bench (Nuggets/Bulls recap) - Denver Stiffs
  Sounds like the Nuggets second unit is inconsistent which means something will have to give when they face the Pacers' struggling bench tonight.
• Nuggets lose tough one at Chicago, 94-92 - The Denver Post
  Benjamin Hochman reports on the Nuggets' loss in Chicago last night.
• Nuggets-Pacers Preview - Nov. 9, 2010 - NBA - CBSSports.com
• Report: Carmelo Anthony in 'good state' with Denver Nuggets
  Can't talk Nuggets without a little Melo trade update.
• The Lack of Big Man Depth — A Guy Like Erick Dampier Sure Could Help
  Jared Wade is in a desperate search for front court help.
• Bobcats' Jackson fined $50,000 for verbal abuse
  Stephen Jackson finds new and inventive ways to upset the league.